User:Mr. Ibrahem/Chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term inflammation of the pancreas that affects its function functions. There is may be periods of no symptoms, though at time abdominal pain may occur. Other symptoms may include weight loss, vomiting, and greasy bad smelling stool. Complications may include diabetes, malnutrition, pancreatic pseudocyst, and pancreatic cancer.

The cause in about 75% of cases is alcoholism. Other causes include pancreatic duct obstruction, cystic fibrosis, autoimmune pancreatitis, high blood calcium, certain medications, and high blood lipids. The underlying mechanism may involve either plugs forming within the pancreatic ducts or activation of digestive enzymes within the pancreas. Diagnosis may be supported by MRCP or ERCP with lipase levels often being normal. A stool fat measurement over 72 hours may be useful.

There is no cure. Management may involve eating low fat meals, fat soluble vitamin supplementation, and pancreatic enzymes. People should stop smoking and drinking alcohol. Pain may be treated with tricyclic antidepressants, NSAIDs, or gabapentin. Opioids or surgery may be used if other measures are not effective.

How commonly it occurs is unclear. One estimate from the United States put the frequency at 6 per 10,000. Similar numbers have been found in Europe and Asia. The typical age at diagnosis is 45. Life expectancy may be decreased in those affected. The condition was first described in 1788 by Cawley.